Simon Malls Complaint - Don't purchase Simon Mall Debit/Gift Cards

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA -- In June, 2006 I was given two $500 gift cards from Simon Malls and Visa. Used one and kept the other for a trip I was taking in August, 2007. Tried to use the card in June and found it had been canceled and reported lost. I had the card in my hand so I called the customer service number which is answered in INDIA. I was told a Stephen Jones had called, reported the card lost and requested a replacement. They suggested I call this Stephen Jones to handle the dispute. Yeah, right! In a month and 1/2 I have called India five times, rehashed the event, spent endless hours on hold while the 'correct' department is consulted. The clerks are very polite and very ineffective. I have faxed copies of the card to them twice. I was just told I am supposed to receive my replacement within 14 days, but after my trip. From the information I have been reading and seeing on TV, the replacement is doubtful. We haven't even discussed the many fees Simon Malls and Visa charges each month you don't use the card.

Don't put the people you care enough to give a gift through this frustration. Stay away from Simon Malls and Visa debit/gift cards. They are a license for these companies to lawfully steal.

Is it possible that India made a mistake and cancelled the wrong card?

Posted by Hugh_Jorgen on 2007-08-13:

In addition, their gift cards will quickly lose value each month you don't use it. Clark Howard has always been quite vocal about the Simon gift cards - he says give cash instead.

Posted by Anonymous on 2007-08-13:

Cash is king.

Posted by Anonymous on 2007-08-13:

Let's see a show of hands by those who believe that Stephen Jones is or was an employee of Simon Malls. How else could someone get the card number?
Did they tell you how much value remains on the card? If they didn't don't be surprised to find the card has nothing remaining on it. If so, according to their terms you lose. They replace nothing until the card holder reports the card lost or stolen. As to the monthly fee, they charge $2.50 a month after the first year. To be nice they stop charging when the balance reaches $0.

Posted by Timboss on 2007-08-14:

Gift cards are dumb for consumers and a boon to retailers.

Posted by trumania on 2007-08-14:

Gift Cards always lose value if you don't use them. This is all in the fine print that they give you. It's up to you to decide to read it.